Details of Renewals

About one million Californians who bought private coverage during the Affordable Care Act's first open enrollment period were eligible for renewal (Florido, "KPCC News," KPCC, 1/28).

About 944,000 of those who were eligible to renew have done so -- representing a renewal rate of 92% (Covered California release, 1/28).

Officials announced that about 576,000 consumers allowed their coverage to automatically renew, while about 368,000 decided to shop for a new plan. As of December 2014, about 54,000 enrollees had switched plans, according to "KPCC News" ("KPCC News," KPCC, 1/28).

State data on the renewals show customer retention rates of:

99% for Kaiser Permanente;

94% for Anthem Blue Cross;

94% for Blue Shield of California; and

90% for Health Net.

Implications

Charles Bacchi, CEO of the California Association of Health Plans, said, "[W]ith 90% of enrollees sticking with their existing health plan, it is clear that there is stability in the market and people are pleased with their coverage" (Terhune, Los Angeles Times, 1/28).

Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee added, "Consumers liked the plan they were in, liked the providers they have access to and did not see the need [to change coverage] -- even though one-third actively logged onto the system and looked around" at other plans ("KPCC News," KPCC, 1/28).

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